Vol. 443 No. 3
159 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health the number of adolescents under the age of 16 who are present in the North-Dublin catchment area with needs for in-patient/residential assessment and treatment; and the resources available on the northside of the city for adolescents who require in-patient care and treatment.
160 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health the average length of wait for adolescents requiring admission to services that are available in Warrenstown House and St. Richard's Unit, Orwell Road, Dublin 6.
161 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health the psychiatric care available to young people over the age of 16 and under the age of 18.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 159, 160 and 161 together.
Under the Mental Treatment Act, 1945, a full range of mental health services is available to all. Under the Act, the admission of persons under 16 years of age is limited to voluntary admissions on the application of the person's parent or guardian.
Mental health services for adolescents are generally provided in association with the child psychiatric services in child and family centres. A family-centred approach is adopted and the vast majority of cases are dealt with on a non-residential basis.
In the north Dublin catchment area there are at present four persons under the age of 16 years who are in need of in-patient residential treatment. Such services are available from the following care facilities within the catchment: Warrenstown House, 14 places (including 7 for adolescents); Courthall, 8 places; James Connolly House, 8 places; Dromheath Avenue, 5 places; St. Paul's, Beaumont, (specialising in autism), 22 places.
Admissions to Warrenstown House are prioritised, with emergencies being given priority over planned admissions. A review of the waiting list reveals that waiting times are as follows:
|
Waiting Time |
Number of Persons |
|
0-2 weeks |
13 |
|
2-6 weeks |
6 |
|
6-14 weeks |
3 |
